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Editor's note: Michael has got some fun and helpful guidance for those you looking to become better game-advocate emissaries. My advice? Do read this article. -James
You love games. They’re a part of your identity -- a part of your personality. You grew up stomping turtles, throwing fireballs, and toppling mad scientists. Now, you’re an adult -- or soon to be one. It’s time to be a responsible and productive member of society.
Thankfully, that doesn’t mean giving up who you are. It was OK to be a gamer growing up, and it’s OK to be one now. Regardless of the fact that video games are now more socially acceptable and prevalent in our society than ever before, we have a right to express our love of games in public. We don’t have to hide who we are.
Unfortunately, some gamers get carried away and alienate themselves from the rest of the world in the process. Dialing that behavior back doesn’t mean giving up your heritage or conforming in any way. You can still be a gamer publicly and show off your pedigree without making things awkward for you and the people around you.
Here are some tips -- for those that need them -- to make being a publicly proud gamer just a little bit easier.
Gamer Style
Do feel free to wear game-related t-shirts in public. Your attire should always be an expression of who you are, so wear what feels natural. The trick is to remain appropriate and presentable. Wear clean, wrinkle-free, tasteful shirts. Simple designs and abstract game imagery generally work best, though you can’t go wrong with retro shirts. Best of all, they act as great conversation starters!
As a side note, it may be a good idea to invest in some quality slacks and a blazer that complements your shirt selection. I’m no fashionista, and you don’t have to be either. But being able to break free of the “t-shirt and jeans” look will diversify your style and make your apparel suitable for all but the most formal occasions.
Don’t wear greasy, dirty, or faded game shirts in public. Save those for hot days at home or for house painting. You want to take pride in your appearance no matter your personal style, and that old Metal Gear Solid pre-order shirt just isn’t going to look flattering. In fact, game shirts with massive logos often look gaudy, so avoid them altogether if you can.
Make sure that whatever you wear fits well. If you’re a slimmer gamer, stay away from the L and XL shirts that most game stores and expo workers throw at you. If you happen to be a little larger, be aware that Japanese shirts often wear one size smaller than the American equivalent. Always order one size bigger.
Talking About Games
Do talk about games in public. You don't need to work them into casual conversations with strangers, but if the topic comes up or someone asks about your interests, sally forth! Answer honestly, speak passionately, and be comfortable with how you choose to spend your time. If you show any nervousness or awkwardness, you’ll only transfer those emotions to other people.
Most people have played a game at some point in their lives, so conversations will arise naturally. As an added bonus, talking freely about games acts as a great social litmus test. When people approach me, they generally know within five minutes that I’m a serious gamer. If my lifestyle bothers them, then I immediately save time, as we wouldn’t have gotten along anyway.
Don’t get carried away. Polite interest in your gaming habits is not carte blanche to describe your last Icecrown Citadel guild run in painstaking detail. Talking about games is like talking about anything else: The key is to not get too excitable or opinionated and not to dwell when the topic changes.
Talk intelligently and passionately, but don’t be pretentious. If somebody makes an inaccurate claim (Ninja Gaiden started on the original Xbox) or something you disagree with (Final Fantasy 9 was the best RPG ever), don’t be too quick to correct. Pick your battles. If you do disagree, do so politely, and allow the other party to save face whenever possible. You don’t want to sound like your entire social education took place on a GameFAQS message board. This goes double if you work behind the counter at GameStop.
